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THE WORLD'S COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION, 
Does it belong to the United States or to Chicago? 



SPEECH 



HON, GEORGE W. RAT, 



OF NEW YORK, 



HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 



JULY 18, 1892. 



The Exposition is "both national and international. Th.e honor 
of our common country is at stake. 



WASHINGTON. 
1892. 



SPEECH 

HON. GEORGE W. RAY. 

Monday, July 18, 1S92 



The House teing in Coramittee of the Whole on the state of the Union, anfl 
having under consideration the Senate amendments to the sundry civil ap- 
propriation bill- 
Mr. RAY said: 

Mr. Chairman: As a citizen of and a Representative from 
the State of New York, I am for this appropriation, although 
Congress took the Exposition from us and sent it to the com- 
paratively small city of Chicago. [Applauss.] I have listened 
patiently and carefully, but in vain, for the presentation of a 
single solid and well-founded argument against the proposed 
appropriation in favor of the World's Columbian Exposition to 
be held at Chicago in 1893. 

It is proposed by this Exposition to celebrate the four hun- 
dredth anniversai-y of the discovery of America, and the Gov- 
ernment of the United States, through its Congress and Chief 
Executive, has given tha enterprise its assent and approval. 
The Congress of the United States, by appropriate legislation 
duly approved, has made this Government a party, if not the 
chisf party, to this undertaking, and so has become responsible, 
in the eyes of the masses of our people and of the nations of the 
earth, for its success. [Applause.] 

The Congress of the United States assumed to locate and did 
locate the Exposition and has created a comtnission which is 
engaged even now in the erection of appropriate buildings, and 
the preparation of grounis for the holding of this great inter- 
national exhibit. 

The United States Government by its duly authorized agents, 
indirectly, if not directly, has extended an mvitalion to all the 
civilized nations of the world to take part, and nearlf all hav^e 
responded by the appropriation of large sums of mone3^ aggre- 
gating millions of dollars, and the appointment of agents who 
even now are engaged in active preparati >ns for the proper ex- 
hibit of the wealth, power, anil progress of their respective 
nations. It has become, therefore, apractical and important ques- 
tion whether the Government of the United States is now to 
practically repudiate the enterprise, and thereby disgrace itself 
in the estimation of the nations of the earth, or by liberal aid to 
guarantee the success of this gigantic national exhibit. [Ap- 
662 3 



plause.] The following- 
done: 

The amount thus far appro 
purposes approximates $5,000 
the data upon which this esti 

Argentine Republic 

Austria 

Bolivia ..... 

Brazil 

Colombia 

Costa Rica 


table 

priated t 

,000. Th 

mate is t 

$100,000 

149, 100 

30. 700 

600.000 

100.000 

150. 000 

67.000 

125. 000 

627, 000 

809. 200 

60,000 

300.000 

6; 000 

3,000 

25.000 

100,000 

25, 000 

65, 600 

20,000 

150. 000 

27,500 


shows what such 

y foreign governmen 
3 following tabular st 
ased: 

Tasmania 

Trinidad 

Guatemala 

Haiti. 

Honduras 

Japan 

Mexico 


nations have 

ts for Exposition 
atement presents 

$10,000 

15,000 

200,000 

25,000 

20.000 

630, 765 


Denmark 


50,000 

10,000 


France 


Dutch West Indies. 

Nicaragua 

Orange Free State . 

Paraguay 

Peru 

Salvador 

Cuba 

Sweden 


5,000 


Germany 

Greece 


30.000 

7, 500 


Great Britain 


100,000 


Barbadoes 

Bermuda.. 


125,000 

12,000 


British Guiana 


25,000 


Canada (preliminary) 

Cape Colony . 


53,600 


Norway 

British Honduras.. 


56,280 




7,500 


Jamaica 

New South Wales 

New Zealand 


Total 


4,982,000 



The following-named countries have also expressed a determination to 
participate as governments or through their merchants, but the amount of 
money to be expended by each is not yet known: Algeria, Belgium, British 
Columbia, Danish West Indies, Egypt, Erytheria, French Guiana Hawaii, 
India. Italy, Madagascar, Maderia, Malta, Mashonaland, Netherlands, Per- 
sia, Puerto Rico, Queensland, Russia, Santo Domingo, Siam, South Austra- 
lia, Spain, Transvaal, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela, Victoria. 

These will devote from $1, 500, 000 to $2, 000, 000 to making exhibits. 

My colleague from New York [Mr. Little] has shown, by 
implication at least, the expected resentment of the city of New 
York at being deprived of the location of the Exposition at that 
city. 

This opposition, however, is more by way of protest against 
the action of the last Congress in locating the Exposition at 
Chicago than for the purpose of defeating the proposed legisla- 
tion. 

The location of this Exposition at the comparatively small and 
unknown city of Chicago [laughter] was certainly ill-advised, 
but it was done by the Congress of the United States, which 
seems to have regarded Chicago as the center of the United 
States, and this Exposition as simply an exhibit of this country. 

The Congress ignored the fact that New York City is the center 
of the civilized world, and that if removed to the vicinity of Har- 
lem Chicago would figure only as a respectable suburb to this 
great financial and commercial center of the world. It is also 
true that if located at New York City the Empire State would 
have contributed so liberally in its aid that appropriations from 
the United States Government would have been almost superflu- 
ous and probably would have been unasked. [Applause.] The 
fact was ignored that, in effect, this is to be a great international 
exposition. 

But the* fact remains that this Exposition is to be held at 
Chicago, and we are confronted by the further fact that if this 
Exhibition is to be made a success, if this nation is not to be 
disgraced, belittled in the estimation of foreign nations, proper 
aid must be given by this Congress at this session. The gentle- 

662 



man from Kentucky [Mr. McCreary] intimates that at the next 
session of this Congress, in December next, he will be ready to 
give his support to an appropriation in aid of this Exposition. 

It may not have been in his mind, but we can not resist the 
suspicion, at least, that such action is prompted to some extent 
by a desire to keep down appropriations at this session for polit- 
ical eJiect in the coming- November Presidential election. It 
was suggested by him that after deducting $100,000,000 for the 
redemption of United States notes there will be scarcely $9,000,- 
000 of gold surplus in the Treasury, and he, by implication at 
least, would picture a deficiency as the result of this appropria- 
tion of $5,000,000 in aid of the Exposition. There is no basis for 
such an argument, and, in my judgment, the action proposed by 
the Senate will, if carried out, inure to the benefit of every man, 
woman, and child in the United States. 

We have in the Treasury of the United States not in circula- 
tion and not in shape to be put in circulation over $10,000,000 oE 
subsidiary silver coin so abraded as to be useless except as silver 
bullion. 

It is proposed to coin this in half-dollars with appropriate de- 
signs, etc., making them suitable souvenirs of this Exposition, 
to the amount of $5,000,000, and with them pay this appropri- 
ation in aid of the World's Columbian Exposition. 

If this is done there will be put into active circulation within 
the next twelve months $5,000,000 of the subsidiary silver coin 
of this Government. These coins will be eagerly sought after 
and find ready circulation. If the appropriation is made the 
buildings for the Exposition will be on a much larger scale than 
they otherwise would be and employment will be given to thou- 
sands of workingmen, and every branch of business will b3 stimu- 
lated and strengthened. 

All American citizens interested in the growth and develop- 
ment of the United States, and who give the subject careful 
thought, must regret that a political turn has been given to the 
discussion of the proposition to extend Government aid to the 
World's Columbian Exposition. It ought to be discussed, con- 
sidered, and voted upon in a nonpartisan spirit. The question 
ought to be will the general growth and prosperity of this nation, 
of its people, of its industries, be stimulated by this appropriation. 
[Applause.] 

Mr. Chairman, if the Democratic party shall dare to make this 
a political question, I can but say that it throws itself in the 
track of the rapidly revolving wheels of progress, and will not 
stay their advance for a single moment, but will find itself crushed 
and broken beneath them. [Applause.] 

The demagogue may seek to win much notoriety by opposing 
this measure. He may seek to belittle the enterprise by calling 
it "a show,"' but he will only succeed in belittling himself and 
earning an epitaph which will read, " Here sleeps a moral and 
mental pigmy.'' [Applause.] 

I doubt not that many members of this House are honestly 
and sincerely opposed to this measure on grounds which to them 
seem substantial. We respect these men and their convictions; 
to them we appeal with argument, and from them we ask that 
due and candid coa;-ideration which all honest and broad-minded 
men are willing to give. 

662 



6 

The Congress of the United States has assumed jurisdiction of 
this matt_^r, and by its action heretofore his virtually taken 
charg-e of the whole enterprise: a commission for which'^it is re- 
sponsible has charge of the work. Congress located this Expo- 
sition. By authority of Congress the nations of the earth have 
been invited to take part, and nearly every civilized nation on 
the face of the globe has accepted the invitation which virtually 
came from our Government, and ea2h consenting nation has ap- 
propriated money 'to enable it to join in the grand exhibit of 
the world's progress and prosperity. [Applause.] 

This Congress has appointed a committee on this Columbian 
Exposition, thus recognizing the jurisdiction of Congress in the 
matter. O ar authorized agents have authorized the construction 
of buildings and works, the cost of which will be far in excess of 
that cont 3mplated in 180a. Congress can not retreat with honor; 
it can not repudiate the acts of its agents. The honor of the nor 
tion is at stake; the nation has pledged its support, its moral 
and financial support, to this enterprisa to any extent necessary 
to make it a success, the grandest exposition ever held on the 
face of the earth. 

Those who raise what they claim to regard as constitutional 
objections seem tD forget that the Constitution of the United 
States is broad and comprehensive enough to enable this nation 
of ours not only to exist but to prosper and move forward firat 
and foremost in the grand march of nations, and that this con- 
stitutional power embraces within its scope each and every step, 
each and every act and appropriation necessary for the attain- 
ment of the desired result. The Constitution not only binds us 
as a union of States, but it confers upon the legislative branch 
ample power to provide for the general welfare and progress of all 
its people, to stimulate trade and internal commerce, and to facil- 
itate the intercourse of our people. We appropriate money for the 
improvement of our rivers and harbors; by appropriats'^legisla- 
tion we regulate and control interstate and foreign commerce, 
and upon precisely the same principle we may provide and appro- 
priate money for a grand exhibit of the agricultural and indus- 
trial growth and progress of the people of these United States. 
It will promote the growth and prosperity of both manufactures 
and agriculture, and give encouragement to every farmer and 
mechanic in the land. 

The proposed legislation is neither special nor sectional. It 
is general in its scope and effect. This Exposition will not only 
appropriately celebrate one of the grandest events in the world's 
history, the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, 
but it will bring the people of all sections of our common coun- 
try into close intercourse: it will extend and enlarge our ac- 
quaintance with each other and strengthen the ties that bind this 
united and indivisible people. [Applause.] It will present to 
the gaze of the people of the United States and of the world the 
remarkable inventive genius of our citizens and demonstrate the 
beneficent influences of our system of free government. [Ap- 
plause.] It will awaken the patriotic spirit of our people and 
give to the young men and women of our country, a broader and 
more perfect conception of the wealth, power, intelligence, and 
wonderful resources of this nation. All visitors from foreign 
lands will be so impressed with our power and resources that 

662 



SO 12 



they will carry across the oceans such tales of our invincibility 
in war as to insure peace to our country, respect for our flag, and 
protection to our every citizen who travels abroad. [Applause.] 

Let it be on a grand scale, and let it be commensurate with our 
power and resources as a nation. Let it be the act of the nation 
and not credited to individual enterprise or individual patriotism. 
But the clause compelling the closing of the gates of the Exposi- 
tion on Sunday must be retained. [Applause in the galleries.] 

The Sabbath day is recognized by the intelligent people 
of every Christian nation, and its sacred character must not 
be forgotten or sacrificed to a desire for gain. The laboring 
men at out Chicago need this as a day of rest. With this pro- 
vision against Sunday opening,! am for the appropriation, with- 
out it I am against it. Be not apprehensive that those who 
visit the Exposition will too literally patronize the saloons of 
Chicago on Sunday. Such a statement is an insult to the great 
masses of our people who will visit the Exposition. I assume 
that they will find' abundant opportunity for recreation and rest 
in the great parks of that city and in the green fields surround- 
ing her; and I also assume that those who desire will be wel- 
comed to her magnificent churches and places of worship. [Ap- 
plause.] 

When Columbus and his daring crew peered out through the 
mists of that October morning in 1492 over an unknown sea and 
caught sight of a new land, they little thought they were open- 
ing up a broad highway over which, four hundred years later, 
there should pass a tide of travel and commerce that should al- 
most bafiQe calculation. But this has been the result, and now 
these United States, the Empire of the West, are to celebrate the 
achievement of those bold voyagers. [Applause.] 

Mr. Chairman, I yield the remainder of my time, excepting 
three minutes, to the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Henderson]; 
and those three minutes I propose to yield to the gentleman from 
Wisconsin [Mr. Bushnell]. The following table shows what 
has been, done by the states: 

Appropriations and subscriptions by States and Territories to June 11, 1892. 



Arizona $30,000 

Arkansas 15,000 

CaUfornia 300.000 

Colorado 100,000 

Connecticut 50,000 

Delaware 10,000 

Florida (subscription) 50,000 

Idaho.... 20.000 

Illinois 800,000 

Indiana 75,000 

Iowa 125,000 

Kansas (subscription) 30,000 

Kentucky 100.000 

Maine „ 40.000 

Massachusetts 150,000 

Maryland 60, 000 

Michigan L 100, 000 

Minnesota 50,000 

Missouri 150,000 

Montana 50,000 



Nebraska $50,000 



New Hampshire 


25,000 


New Jersey 


70,000 




25,000 


New York.... 

North Carolina 


300, 000 
25,000 


North Dakota 

Ohio 


25,000 
100,000 


Pennsylvania 

Rhode Island... 

Utah 


300, 000 
25, 000 
20,000 


Vermout 

Virginia 


5,000 
25,000 


Washington 

West Virginia 


100,000 
40,000 


Wisconsin 

Wyoming 


65, 000 
30,000 



Texas (subscription) 300,000 



3,835,000 



State associations have been formed in Louisiana, Oregon, South Carolina, 
South Dakota, and Tennessee. 




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